Guest Post: Australia: Which Secluded Beaches to Visit in Sydney

Sydney, Australia’s biggest city is world famous for many things: its particular mix of cultures – from the Western to Asian to European, its iconic landmarks – like the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, its friendly, laid-back people, its amazing weather, but, maybe most of all, its beaches. The city is perched on the Pacific coast and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, popular for swimming, tanning and surfing. While the most famous of all is, undoubtedly, Bondi Beach, there are many others that are worth a visit, especially if you are looking the escape the crowds. It took me a while to explore Sydney’s coast, but here are my top picks for the best-secluded beaches in the area.

Maitland Bay Beach

If your idea of a perfect beachside holiday includes expanses of golden sand and a crystal-clear ocean, with very few other visitors, then it might be worth it to seek out this gem in the greater Sydney area. The beach is fairly secluded, and it’s easy to find a lonely spot so that there are no other beachgoers near you. The entire area is gorgeous – it’s right next to the Bouddi National Park, which is great for hiking. The Bay is also the final resting place of the S.S. Maitland which sank way back in 1898. The shipwreck is still visible and is a favourite of maritime history buffs.

Long Reef Beach

One of the beautiful northern beaches, Long Reef is white perfection. The fine sand and the clean water will leave even the pickiest vacationers breathless. Thanks to its structure, Long Reef is perfect for both experienced and beginner surfers. Oftentimes, lucky visitors can often spot whales just off this secluded stretch of the coast. For those who enjoy a round of golf, Long Reef is also the place where you can find the best golf club in Sydney.

Palm Beach

Around an hour drive from the city centre, this secluded beach is a heaven for all of you seeking tranquillity and peace. The main thing to do here is, well – stretch your legs! Walk! Barrenjoey Head is in the northern end of Palm Beach and is home to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. One of Sidney’s favourite places for locals to grab a bite and a cold drink is the Boathouse in Palm Beach (and one of my favourites too.) The best way to enjoy this tranquil but still buzzing place is by renting a Palm Beach holiday house and enjoying the sunshine every day. I did it for one summer and it was the best summer of my life.

Kutti Beach

If you find yourself in Vaucluse, you have the chance to find one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to Sydney beaches. Kutti Beach is so secluded and difficult to find that hardly anyone goes there apart from the locals. You can reach it by going down the staircase next to the Amateur Sailing Club. Once you get there, you will be amazed at what was hidden at the apparent dead-end: water as calm as glass, smooth sand, lush vegetation and luxurious waterfront villas. The beach is not hard to reach if you know where to look, and you can even use public transport. However, don’t expect stellar amenities – this is a truly unspoiled gem.

Lady Martin’s Beach

If you want to see how the area’s elite lives, check out Lady Martin’s Beach in Point Piper, Felix Bay. This wealthy community is full of expensive mansions and villas, but luckily – the beach is free. While access is a bit tricky – you can reach it via a narrow lane next to the Yachting Club – it’s definitely worth the effort. The beach was named after the wife of Sir James Martin.

Bondi, while arguably one of the most famous beaches in the world, is overrun by tourists and locals alike. If you are looking for a quieter oasis, somewhere to enjoy the ocean without thousands of other people milling about, check out these suggestions. Sydney has been blessed with so many gorgeous beaches that you are sure to find your own ideal spot in the sun.

Roxana

Author bio: Roxana Oliver is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on Twitter and Facebook. She is also one of the editors atHighstylife Magazine.

4 Comments

Nice post and some great photos. Didn’t like Bondi Beach at all when we visited, much preferred Coogee. Our favourite by a mile was Manly Beach across the harbour. Such a cool relaxed place, spent days and days relaxing there.

I’ve never been to New Zealand (Chris used to work there) or Tasmania – but I hope to one day soon. I’d also love to head to Fiji too if we ever make it back to that side of the world.

Vicky & Chris

Thanks for joining us (Vicky & Chris, a married couple from Yorkshire, England) as we Eat, Sleep, Love and Travel our way around the world! Between us, we have been to 75 countries (long may the list grow!)

We have been travelling together since January 2007 when we took our first trip only two weeks from our first meeting to Florence, Italy.